According to a representative of the Permanent Mission of Singapore at the United Nations in New York, a person born in Singapore (Malaysia) in 1950 of Sri Lankan parents who does not hold a valid Singaporean passport would not be considered a Singaporean citizen if he or she were to return to Singapore (13 May 1994).

Singaporean citizenship is not granted by virtue of being born in Singapore (ibid.). Under Singaporean law, a person must reside continuously in Singapore for 10 years before he or she can apply for citizenship at the Registry of Citizenship in Singapore (ibid.).

According to current immigration regulations, stateless persons and citizens of other countries holding a working permit are allowed to reside and work in Singapore (ibid.). These persons would be issued an identity card valid until the status of its holder changes (ibid.).

The representative was unable to provide further information on the procedures and requirements for acquiring Singaporean citizenship or on the rights conferred on an identity card holder.

The representative stated that a person who had renounced Singaporean citizenship may acquire it again by completing 10 years of continuous residence in Singapore (ibid.).

For information on the status of a person born in Singapore (Malaysia) in 1950 of Sri Lankan parents if she or he returns to Malaysia, please refer to the first part of the attached letter prepared by the High Commission for Malaysia on 6 May 1994 and sent to the DIRB in Ottawa.

This response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the DIRB within time constraints. This response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum.

High Commission for Malaysia, Ottawa. 6 May 1994. Letter sent to the DIRB in Ottawa.

Permanent Mission of Singapore at the United Nations, New York. 13 May 1994. Telephone interview with representative.

High Commission for Malaysia, Ottawa. 6 May 1994. Letter sent to the DIRB in Ottawa.